Respect the game. What does that mean?

[Chris Coletti]

I had a guy from Cincy call me and we were talking about "Respecting the game". My son asked me what that meant and I explained the story of Randy Moss from the Vikings (Formaly) He was traded and I believe it was for his lack of "Respect for the game" more than his lack of skills.

What do you think?

I think we have to maintain that "respect for the game." While a match is going on and leading up to it getting pumped is fine but as soon as the match is over we need to get back to the respect of the sport and our opponent.

With all that is going on right now and the massive exposure we are getting we need to put our best foot forward and show the public viewers that this is a true sport and to be taken seriously. Boxers almost always show each other repect after the match is over as do UFC fighters.

This is just my observation as I have watched the FSN show 4 times so far and I have about 20 more times to go. (Making DVDs for everyone who requested them:)

Todd Hutchins is a perfect example of getting pumped while still showing the respect for the game...and his opponent, when he beats John B he goes crazy then hugs John B...Great win and great example. When he loses the 3 rd match with John he keeps his composure (Looked almost impossible for anybody to do but he did it)
Eric W, when Eric loses to Travis he was pumped before and borderline crazy Once he lost he extended his hand out to Travis in a gesture of respect.

John B..when he beats Todd, watch the look of respect that John B gives Todd. Beautiful for the public.

I would also say that all those who want a DVD really need to also get a membership to ARMTV.Com. There are a ton of matches on there that you never see on FSN.

[leonard]

Its too easy to go into "WWF" mode and if that is what we present to the public we will fall just as fast as the rise.

[Dan Fortuna]

Obviously you did not see Todd totally disrespect Mike Selaris when he beat him rt handed. The sport needs the drama Travis brings to it. The funny thing is no one sees the other guy react. Like when Eric wofel nearly broke Travis arm when he Yanked him after beating him and Travis tried to congradulate him. At that point a disqualifacation should have happend.There was a reason Travis who came in 2nd rt handed was invited to commentate.He sparks the sport and respects it.Hand out the fouls to the people who never learned that sticks and stones may break your bones but names may never hurt.Leave the trash talking to people who can do it.Every time I see someone like Todd or Eric try it for the 1st thats when people go over the line.Chris you obviously dont like Travis, otherwise you would have been just as insulted as I was when Eric nearly ripped off his arm when he tried to congradulate him.Keep it real dont let your personal opinions about someone cloud your judgement.Travis and Matt was example you should have used they trashed talked each other and still gave eachother respect.

[leonard]

Your right we need the excitement but everyone is and will try to emulate Travis. Travis does not always have the ability to control it either. That adrenaline is pumping and it does not always shut off. Your are right, Eric was in the wrong also. It will not take much and the whole thing is out of control.

[Valerie Beach]

respect for one another is some thing we can not have lack of, in my opinion someone with a win or loss it doesn't matter the respect should still be number one in the end ;D
Dan the match between Matt and Travis is a very good example it's great to see thier adrenaline, but in the end they give respect (as does most everyone) and go out for drinks after, for off the table it's about friendship. this is one of the things that makes our sport so incriedable!!!! the fact that you can be friends with one another do what needs to be done at the table and mantain the same friendship after no matter how much smack gets talked on the table ;D

[jamesretarides]

I have spoken to enough people and have seen enough on my own to see the bittersweet of the Vegas/Fox event, the intended and unintended consequences of the recent exposure the sport has gotten. I watched all four parts of Gary's arm tv presentation and I also watched fox's telecast. What I saw both pleases me and saddens me at the same time. I am not writing this as a lecture, a eulogy or any sort of pat on the back or knife in the back for anyone I mention, just my perspective on certain elements.

"Consider the source" is a phrase often uttered and one that you should take into account when reading this diatribe.

I have spoken with five people that were at the event and have heard similar accounts but I chose not to get angry about it until this morning (good timing I guess, as I do have today off from work).



Let me preface this whole thing by saying that the glass is more than half full with the sport of armwrestling right now. We just must be smart and head down the path that will not just insulate our pockets with the most cash, but will make armwrestling a better respected sport.

What I am saying is this: people ARE coming away with the wrong idea about the greatness of John Brzenk and that is what motivated this post. I have heard people say that John needs favoritism to win among other things, but how quickly they forget the past. The battles the man has won when the odds were stacked against him and even his recent domination of the sport. The consumate professional, I believe the saying is. I don't like and never did like the "What have you done for me lately" mantra and hate when it is applied to my sport.

I watched this morning as Travis Bagent yelled in the face of a referee and claimed he was being cheated before the match began because "it's him (John)." I was under the impression that Travis had a greater respect for John.

He should have a great respect for John, Eric Woefel and Ron Bath (who he recently insulted), because without them, he would not get the attention he so readily desires and feeds off of. They paved the way, so to speak. Before them it was Al Turner, Virgil Arciero and such. These are the men that helped attract people to sport and keep people in the sport.

What transpired between Travis and Eric was rediculous, a downright debacle. That type of display does nothing but reinforce any preconceived notions the public had of the sport.

But it is not just Travis, he is the archetype (in this sport anyway). Many might try to follow him just to get their share of the camera. Vanity will be their weakness, and hard-working armwrestlers will exploit that weakness.

Anyhow, there is putting on a show, putting on a facade and there is also saying blatantly hurtful things that you believe to be true for the attention you might garner from others or simply for the fact that you are very pumped up and subdued feelings are manifesting themselves in a very loud, obnoxious manner.

I have never personally seen Todd Hutchings put on a display unless he was provoked which is why I think he probably had a lot of unresolved issues with Mike Selearis in Vegas. I am sure (not to speak for Todd), that he has a great respect for John as was previously indicated because John wins like a winner. Like Barry Sanders used to say: when you get into the endzone, act like you have been there before and you will be there again. The one draw to this sport like Coletti indicated is that armwrestlers pull through all of the fury to come out the other side with a sense of decorum you will not see in other sports.

HYPE is BULL SHI t. Sorry, but disrespecting people before a big match only creates a culture of disrespect and it is a learned behavior, that children are picking up increasingly. Do we really want to be seen at the same intellectual level as boxers?

One thing I have noticed in my past 7 years in this sport. The handshakes following matches are become more seldom seen. And the sportsmanship of armwrestling was its first draw to me.

I also believe, however, that Travis is a doer. I like that about him and I also loved the job he did on the show the other night. He came across as endearing. When the tournament showed he came accross as anything but. Travis is a smart guy, but I think he should understand the consequences of a competitor claiming favoritism when it might be being filmed for the eyes of millions.

For the future, perhaps we all should think before we leap.

[Brandy Stark]

I would have to agree about respect, but I honestly don't think it is that much of an issue, at least at this point. I brought several people with me to Vegas who have never been to an armwrestling event and the one thing they all commented on was how everyone treated their opponents with such dignity and respect, how often to you see two people in a one on one heated battle at the table and then hug when the match is over. Well in our sport you see it all the time and it is just awesome!!

I have only been co-director in Colorado for a year but in that year I have met some of the best people I could have ever of hoped to come across, real people, the best kind

I do tend to disagree a little with Leonard though, I feel to truly take our sport to the next level and beyond, we really have to become a spectator sport and earn die hard fans, and maybe a little "WWF" action is what we need, everyone has a story and we need to get those stories out there so people know who we are and where we came from, why armwrestling is so important to us and why it should be important to them also, not everyone is into cycling but I guarantee almost everyone knows Lance Armstong's story and alot of people started watching cycling just to watch him succeed, even if they cared less about the Tour de France, they wanted to follow his story.

The one name I hear over and over again from people who have watched ESPN or FOX is Bagent ( although being from Colorado I would really like to hear more Girdner!) but the point is he is bringing much needed attention to a sport that has been on the back burner for too many years. We need the Bagent's to bring in the fans, because without the fans there is no sport.

Just my observations!!

[simon]

It is very hard to clearly define acceptable behavior from non, it really is a matter of opinion, I am not a fan of stifling the true emotions or reactions that come with the intensity of athletic competition, but I as a lot of us probably do have a personal level for what I think is appropriate for any sport. As this board has well shown it is a complicated issue laden with the personal perceptions of each individual on dozens of aspects of this sport, so rather than try to simply throw out my personal line in the sand I will say this:

Regardless of the intensity, mental games or exhibition of emotion up to, during, or after an armwrestling match, every match should have an initial non pulling hand handshake and at least a momentary acknowledgement of the effort or performance of your competitor after the match while they are still at the table, I really do not see how too many people can not believe that this is the proper thing to do at the very least.

[Christopher Myers]

I just want to state my opinion

whether you like or dislike what Travis does. lets be real clear it wasnt a recent alignment in cosmic forces that has recently moved Armwrestling into the spotlight. It wasnt the current reigning organizations either, It was clearly and only because of the work of people like Bessie and Sevon as well as Travis.
All the hype you guys are worrying and wondering about ... "what will are exposure will be like with him acting lik that" remember the only REASON we have exposure is because he acts like that. dont kid yourselves into thinking we were moving in that direction anyway ....because we were NOT.
Travis speaks with John B all the time they are friends besides John B is one of the most capable people in the world....in every respect ....he has no fear of Travis and could defend himself competitively , verbally , physically. for himself
I was away in poland with all of the guys I know first hand the respect that they all have for each other.... Travis , John B , Ron B , Matt G they all know where each other stands and they are all capable of speaking their minds.
No sport is perfect and you can and never will make every body happy, but where our sport it is now sells the most tickets and if you ever want to get out of bars and hotels you need to stop hating and have fun

Christopher Myers

[Ty Kissner]

Respect is a difficult topic to address. I've always felt respect is earned not given out like a door prize. I fully respect any individual that is willing to compete and pull in a tournament or just come out and train because theres no other pain like armwrestling pain, however Respect can just as easily be lost as it can be earned and theres a fine line we all try to walk.

Pullers like Brzenk and Hutchings have a mutual respect for one another as do all the good pullers but like it or not there are some pullers out there that just don't like eachother period and it would hurt their ego and pride too much to swallow it and give their opponent the respect they deserve.

For Travis' antics it brings Excitement and adds a shock value to whatever tournament he's at. Believe me after watching him "preform" his antics in Oshawa and then talkin to him after I fully believe Travis respects every puller that he comes across. The guy is the humblest person I've ever met. He didn't know me from joe blow but we talked for like a half hour in oshawa and he was givin me all kinds of tips to help me train and become a better armwrestler.

On a side note Mr. Fortuna I dont wanna hear about Selaris gettin disrespected because we both know if Mike is pullin a nobody Mike won't give him the time a day and what's with him choosin what side of the table he pulls on. Its not that I don't like Mike But After watching his Table Manners in oshawa its obvious he only shows respect to a somebody. If your lookin for an example look how h conducted himself in his left finals match against Neil Looker.

[Brandy Stark]

I agree with Simon, a hand shake is a small gesure that speaks volumes!!!

And we do need to show kids, who are the future of our sport, that respect and sportsmanship come "hand in hand" with armwrestling!!

[jamesretarides]

do tend to disagree a little with Leonard though, I feel to truly take our sport to the next level and beyond, we really have to become a spectator sport and earn die hard fans, and maybe a little "WWF" action is what we need

Do you think we can discern between hype and disrespect? I think we need anything but WWF action. Being in Vegas with friends and them seeing handshakes and respect nearly across the board is great, but you don't get the same vibe from the Fox Telecast.

[Brandy Stark]

Apparently I have gotten alot different reactions than you have to the fox telecast, to date I have not heard a negative comment. Most people say "Wow that was really awesome I didn't even know that was a real sport!"

When I say WWF action I mean story lines, a build up to the next tournament, personally I can't stand WWF but they create excitement and drama and fans can't wait until the next big event. Sure armwrestlers and promoters of the sport know who the big names are but outside of that who has ever heard of Travis Bagent, no one, but even if you don't watch WWF I bet you have heard the names Stone Cold Steve Austin or The Rock. I am really just talking about entertainment, making events fan friendly and kid friendly so just like kids said " I wanna be like Mike" about Jordan they will say " I wanna be like James" about you.

Trust me I love the sport of Armwrestling, I mean I have quite my full time job to take on my director of promotions job here in Colorado on full time so I am all about the betterment of the sport!!

[Chris Coletti]

Dan you are correct, Eric W did also show some disrespect to Travis. The thing with Travis is he is the dripping faucet that most of watch and critique. It is not just him it is a bunch of us! People will watch to see him win and lose but guess what..they will watch.

I will post more later. I have an appointment then I will read what you all posted. Thanks for the info and responses.

Just for the record I feel that the past legends did open up the sport for guys like me and I think Travis is opening up the public and their wallets!

Travis you get me pumped watching you lose it before a match. Rise above the rest in a win and a loss. If they throw a punch just laugh at them. I will tell you that when Eric did that he lost the match. It didn't matter where the pin was. I think in his wisdom he realised that and tried to make amends for it after the 3rd match. Then it was your turn to act the part of the sore winner. You could have just been cool but I can understand why it pissed you off. You were the reason everyone came to watch it (For the most part). When people beat you and go crazy take it as a complement. When it happens to me I feel as if they had a ton of doubt created by my talent when they stepped to the table. I use it against them the next time we meet

[guy]

Nice post Chris.

James i couldnt agree with you more. it's No wonder we are such good friends

On the other hand yod that is you agree with a lot I say too, but dont always agree with my approach sometimes but that is ok

I wish I was retiring so I really could go off here, but unforunately Im not . So I must be tame.

Poland respect Chris for John B means nothing when you shout those things another day.

John B. is the best armwrestler ever and a very humble and nice person, so get over the jealousy want to be attitudes of some of you.

Hype is one thing Disrespecting is not the same.
Some ego's are getting too big.

Ok enough of the freudian thinking, James takes care of that. so if not freudian how about Roidian?

Ok fellows Roll your eyes , you know who you are, NY,NJ, Col. WV ..
I think we could have some roid rage added to the huge ego's and whala Disrespect.

Anyway I personally think Im droppine door..g to Masters only.
Why you ask, Because I honestly felt at some point if my weight came down I could still compete extremely well in a USA Open Nationals, Most likely not a worlds, but USA. Not anymore I dont.
Man the strides some people are making are simply off the fricken charts. Roll your eyes some more
but it's true and now one wants to admit it.
hopefully the days of testing will re open the door again..

Good night!